What’s the first thing that you think of when you hear the word curiosity?

That it killed the cat?

I don’t know about you, but I was certainly discouraged from venturing too far as a child. Ideas, styles, music, books, careers, especially questions about why the people in our lives were doing things that seemed to be causing them pain.

It wasn’t the explicit warnings that were the most powerful, it was the implicit.

The sideways glances that were thrown when someone who was living boldly or creatively walked by. The way topics that everyone seemed to know, but you, were taboo (before you brought it up and the room went silent, until someone awkwardly changed the subject) were avoided. The way no one ever exclaimed THERE IS AN ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM! The way the channel was changed whenever someone came on who might do or say something that ran contrary to the opinions of those present.

There were very few people in my circle that I would describe as truly openminded.

These are not judgments of the people I love and care for, and who love and care for me well. They are observations that have been essential to opening my mind, healing my heart and expanding my world.

It is a candid sharing of what I’ve really come to understand as a principle that fuels awakening to broader more nonjudgemental perspectives.

Looking with objective curiosity and naming things plainly, with an eye toward deepening understanding, helps us to recognize their implications and impact.

Getting curious about what may inhibit us from exploring other curiosities frees us to ask questions and follow subtle urges toward interests that lead to fuller understanding our gifts; enriching connections with people who are different than we are; new ways to express our innate creativity; and living with a sense of wonder and awe.

This is why the guiding principle for Evolving Mindfully self-inquiries is: